Break (or Hinge) Action

The break-action firearm operates on the same principle as a door hinge. Simple
to load and unload, a hinge action is often chosen as a hunter’s first
firearm.

To open the action, point the barrel(s) at the ground. A release is pressed,
and the stock drops downward. This allows the cartridges or shotshells to
eject or to be removed manually if the firearm is loaded.

Hinge-action firearms have a separate barrel for each shot rather than
a magazine. Most models have one or two barrels, but some have up to four.